Still a working class dog ... and lovin' it

Rick Springfield's career -- both acting and music -- seems as hot today was it was 25 years ago.

Springfield is back as Dr. Noah Drake on daytime TV's General Hospital. But in a twist, he's also playing the role of fictional rocker "Eli Love." The final two episodes of Dr. Drake/Eli Love air on Aug. 23 and 24. Springfield's entire band in real life also will appear with "Eli Love" for a performance of "Who Killed Rock n' Roll" -- a new single he began playing last year on tour. It will be the first time Springfield has sung on the TV show.

"The town of Port Charles is literally going to rock," the show's executive producer Jill Farren Phelps told Soapdom.com. "Long-time viewers as well as Rick Springfield fans will be entertained, while new viewers will see why 'General Hospital' is appointment television."

The song also is available on iTunes. Click here to hear it or buy it. The tune will be included on Springfield's new album, due out in early 2008.

Springfield's "Working Class Tour '07" has been underway since February, and he returns to Tampa Bay and the Ruth Eckerd Hall on Sept. 15 (along with John Waite and Eddie Money).

About this blog

Relive the '80s music, movies and culture with Tampa Bay Times correspondent Steve Spears. A teen during the greatest decade ever, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to big hair.